 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Outlaw
Common Sense Media says
Renegade judge mixes justice-seeking with drinking, women.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this legal drama addresses some controversial topics -- capital punishment, affirmative action, etc. -- as well as the continuing tensions between conservative and liberal politics. The main character, a former Supreme Court justice, is a political conservative who believes in pursuing justice but also likes women, drinking, and gambling -- which makes him a complex role model at best. Expect some iffy language (“ass, ” "hell," “damn," etc.), as well as strong sexual innuendo and sexist comments. There are also some graphic images of decomposing bodies and fatal wounds in episodes that revolve around murder and/or death.
What's the story?
OUTLAW centers on Cyrus Garza (Jimmy Smits), a notoriously conservative U.S. Supreme Court justice who, despite his political views, likes to live on the wild side. After the death of his father, a well-known liberal advocate, Garza resigns the bench in order to help those whom he believes have been disenfranchised by the legal system. Helping him pursue justice for his clients are his best friend/liberal-minded defense attorney Al Druzinsky (David Ramsey) and law clerks Mereta Stockman (Ellen Woglom) and Eddie Franks (Jesse Bradford). Also joining them is edgy private investigator Lucinda Pearl (Carly Pope). While the team works through seemingly impossible cases, Garza must also deal with the enemies he’s made in Washington, D.C., as well as the various personal problems that result from his playboy-like ways.
Is it any good?
Outlaw combines sophisticated dramatic storylines with some lighthearted moments in order to tell an intelligent story. It touches on a wide range of controversial issues that are relevant today, using them to examine the conflicting philosophies of conservative and liberal political thinkers.
The show definitely has some flair, but there are times when the constitutional law discussions are so technical that it's hard to follow. Meanwhile, some of the funny moments seem a little out of step with the series' overall mood. Still, folks who like thoughtful legal dramas will probably enjoy what’s being offered here.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the law. How does political point of view impact the way law is practiced in America? Should it have an impact?
Did you know that Supreme Court justices are appointed for life? How realistic do you think it is for a justice to step down and go back to practicing law?
How does the media typically portray lawyers, judges, and politics? Is this show different in any way?
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | David Ramsey, Jesse Bradford, Jimmy Smits |
| Genre: | Drama |
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